Historical information

The photographs show the award of the French Legion of Honour to John Henry Lockett age 107 years by the French Ambassador His excellency Dominique Giraud on 21.7.1998 in the Main Hall of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall Bendigo. There was some 100 officials and invited guests in attendance.
Jack Lockett No 1194 enlisted on 24.3.1916 age 25 years 1 month in D Coy 38th BN AIF, embarked for England 20.6.1916, Hospital at sea with Influenza 25.7.1916, embark for France 22.11.1916, Hospital with Gastritis 30.11.1916, rejoin unit 10.12.1916, promoted L/Cpl, 12.5.1917, promoted Cpl 23.10.1917, promoted Sgt 12.12.1917, discharged from the AIF on 20.9.1919.
Jack received the following awards as well as the French legion of Honour.
80th Anniversary Armistice remembrance Medal 1999.
OAM 11.6.2001, Centenary Medal 1.1.2002.
Jack passed away on 25.5.2002 age 111 years 123 days.
Refer Cat No 8143 & 8144 for the arrangements and program of the award re Legion of Honour.

Physical description

Ten colour photographs relating to the award of the French Legion of Honour.
.1) The Army guard of Honour on the lawns in front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo.
.2) .3) The Prime Minister of Australia Mr John Howard arrives.
.4) John Henry Lockett (Jack) enters the Main Hall of the Institute.
.5) The French Ambassador Dominique Giraud pins the French Legion of Honour Jack Lockett.
.6) The Prime Minister of Australia Mr John Howard responds.
.7) Left to right. The Ambassador Dominique Giraud, Jack Locket wearing his WW1 medals and the Legion of Honour, the Prime Minister John Howard.
.8) On the right is Jacks son Kevin ..................
.9) Afterwards in the Billiard room of SMI Jack is interviewed by the media, Jack's son Kevin on the right.
.10) In the Billiard room from the left, Kevin Lockett, Jack Lockett, Prime Minister Howard, Ambassador Giraud.